Relaxations

Relaxations: Big Tools for Little Warriors is written by Mamen Duch and illustrated by Raul Nieto Guridi, and it's an informative book that provides a fun way to learn about relaxation and meditation techniques.

This book is divided into six main techniques, which are titled as Spaghetti, A Special Tree, The Butterfly, The Four Elements, Colored Clouds, and The Stars. Each technique describes how to utilize this method for children. Also, there are additional sections: Hello, Little Warrior and Suggestion for Practice, which includes recommended poses.

Relaxations is a geared toward various ages, particularly ages four to eight. However, parents and guardians will benefit from this book, too.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Relaxations would be a wonderful book to have in all classrooms for when children need time to breathe, reflect and refocus energies. I love that this book goes beyond yoga and more into mindfulness as we help children take time to stop, think, do, reflect and repeat. The stories that accompanied each idea were perfect opportunities for children and teachers to take that special time.
I plan to purchase and share with colleagues committed to mindfulness.

Cute children's book with several relaxation exercises. I tried the cloud visualization exercise with my six year old before bed and he did seem to mellow out as a result. I'm going to try the spaghetti exercise next. It's definitely meant to be read by the parent to the child, as opposed to a book the child can read to himself. It's short and sweet, but the benefit will come with repeated practice.

Great introduction to mindfulness for little ones. Includes effective visualizations to help a child meditate without really knowing it.

This is a good guide for parents and teachers to help young children manage their stress. I could see myself using this with my students to help them calm and regulate their emotions..

I just used this book to help relax my daughter before she went to sleep. I plan on using it with my students tomorrow and in the future. I especially loved the image of hanging things up on the tree branches.

This is a simple book focused on visualization for relaxation. Some of it can be parent guided, but the instructions are easy enough for a younger child in the targeted age group. For a parent who wants ideas on helping their stressed child, or a child who wants to try something new to relax, this is a good place to start.

Recently, Mindfulness for children has been really popular. This book would fit right in at the library, offering one way to teach children about, or for children to learn about mindfulness and meditation. Practice tips and method explanations are at the back of the book, and help explain the process.